'You can't say that! Or can you?' How kind language transforms workplaces

“You can’t say that! Or can you?”

How kind language can transform workplace culture

About this Lunch & Learn

Join us for a Conversations for Change Lunch & Learn exploring the power of everyday language to shape a more inclusive, values-led workplace. In a world where mental health, wellbeing and engagement are under pressure, the way we speak and listen to one another really matters.

This interactive session will unpack how small shifts in language can help you live your organisational values, reduce bias and assumptions, and create a culture where people feel seen, heard and respected.

Why this conversation matters

Many leaders and colleagues worry about “saying the wrong thing”, especially as inclusive language evolves so quickly. At the same time, workplace pressures can make it harder to stay kind, curious and compassionate.

This session will help you to:

Understand what is meant by kind and compassionate language and how it underpins equity and diversity.

• Understand the impact that having compassionate conversations can have in the workplace and how we can have them more often.
• Discover how to translate your organisational values into everyday communication and behaviour.
• Understand how the words we use shape inclusion, trust and wellbeing across your organisation.
• Discover how to have kind, respectful and compassionate conversations even under pressure.

What you will take away:

By the end of the conversation you will:

• Have practical ways to make small language shifts that support inclusion, trust and wellbeing.
• Feel confident in using inclusive, respectful language without fear of getting it wrong

• Feel confident in modelling kindness and respectful language as a leader.
• Have compassionate conversations and use kind language, even at times of stress.
• Be able to raise awareness in your own organisation or business about the importance of kindness and compassionate language.

About our expert guest – Pete Quinn

Pete Quinn, an independent equality, diversity, and inclusion consultant with over 15 years’ experience working across education, public and private sector organisations.

Based in York, Pete brings strategic insight and operational expertise to every interaction. His training fosters confidence, challenges bias, and drives inclusive culture and is recognised for his collaborative, dynamic, and highly engaging. He has worked with leading universities and organisations in the UK and internationally, helping leaders and teams turn good intentions into meaningful, sustainable action.

As well as delivering training and coaching around neurodiversity, Pete is currently upskilling organisations and individuals on challenging communication, compassionate communication and Postvention. Pete is an active supporter of the #MoreInCommon initiative and the Jo Cox Foundation, particularly the #RunForJo event in memory of Jo Cox MP. He also supports, strategically and in person, ‘Menfulness’ a men’s mental health organisation based in York.